Hydrogen storage equipment with adjustable hydrogen release

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hydrogen storage device capable of adjusting the amount of hydrogen released, comprising: a plurality of hydrogen storage units; a plurality of connectors, each of which is connected between two adjacent hydrogen storage units and is used to open or block the fluid path between the two adjacent hydrogen storage units; a piping system, each in communication with each hydrogen storage unit; and two end caps, each covering the two hydrogen storage units at the end. The present invention can open or block the fluid path between two adjacent hydrogen storage units by rotating the connectors, and the piping system is in communication with each hydrogen storage unit. By introducing a high-temperature fluid into the corresponding hydrogen storage unit and adjusting the corresponding connectors to connect the corresponding hydrogen storage units, the hydrogen release from some hydrogen storage units is controlled, preventing excessive hydrogen release.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hydrogen storage, and in particular discloses a hydrogen storage device capable of adjusting the amount of hydrogen released. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen storage equipment based on solid-state hydrogen storage materials is an efficient and safe hydrogen storage and release device, which has broad application prospects in the fields of new energy, hydrogen energy, etc. When releasing hydrogen, existing solid-state hydrogen storage equipment usually passes a high-temperature fluid into the solid-state hydrogen storage equipment, heats the solid-state hydrogen storage material by heat transfer, and causes the solid-state hydrogen storage material to release hydrogen. However, when heating and releasing hydrogen, existing solid-state hydrogen storage equipment usually heats the solid-state hydrogen storage material in the solid-state hydrogen storage equipment as a whole. There is a problem that the heating area cannot be accurately controlled, which may lead to the problem of excessive hydrogen release, resulting in energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide a hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount, which controls the release amount of hydrogen by controlling the heating area to prevent the problem of excessive hydrogen release.

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a hydrogen storage device capable of adjusting the amount of hydrogen released, comprising:

[0005] Several hydrogen storage units;

[0006] A plurality of connecting members, each of which is connected between two adjacent hydrogen storage units and is used to open or block a fluid passage between the two adjacent hydrogen storage units;

[0007] A piping system, respectively connected to each hydrogen storage unit;

[0008] The two end covers are respectively covered on the two hydrogen storage units at the end portions.

[0009] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage unit comprises:

[0010] The outer tank has an open top and an air hole at the bottom;

[0011] An inner cylinder is fixed inside the outer tank, and its interior is communicated with the air hole; an annular heating chamber is formed between the side wall of the inner cylinder and the side wall of the outer tank, and the heating chamber is communicated with the pipeline system;

[0012] The hydrogen storage material assembly is installed inside the inner cylinder; wherein,

[0013] The connecting piece can open or close the air hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting member includes a support plate and a surrounding plate circumferentially surrounding the edge of the support plate; the surrounding plate extends to both sides of the support plate, and the outer tank is supported on the support plate; a connecting hole is provided on the support plate, and the connecting member can rotate relative to the outer tank, and when the connecting member rotates, the connecting hole and the air hole can be misaligned or aligned.

[0015] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage material assembly includes several layers of hydrogen storage material layers sequentially installed from top to bottom inside the inner cylinder through an annular support plate, and a gap is formed between two adjacent layers of the hydrogen storage material layers; the hydrogen storage material layer is provided with several through holes running through it from top to bottom.

[0016] As a preferred solution, the through holes on two adjacent hydrogen storage material layers are staggered.

[0017] The pipeline system includes an air inlet pipeline and an air outlet pipeline, and the air inlet pipeline and the air outlet pipeline are both connected to the heating chamber of each hydrogen storage unit; the air inlet pipeline and the air outlet pipeline are symmetrically arranged with the hydrogen storage unit as the center.

[0018] The air inlet pipeline includes an air inlet main pipe and several air inlet branch pipes, one end of the air inlet branch pipe is connected to the air inlet main pipe, and the other end thereof is connected to the heating chamber of a hydrogen storage unit; the air outlet pipeline includes an air outlet main pipe and several air outlet branch pipes, one end of the air outlet branch pipe is connected to the air outlet main pipe, and the other end thereof is connected to the heating chamber of a hydrogen storage unit.

[0019] As a preferred solution, a sealing gasket is provided between the enclosure and the upper and lower outer tanks adjacent thereto.

[0020] As a preferred solution, balls are circumferentially provided on the edges of the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate, and the balls at least partially protrude from the surface of the support plate and are in contact with the upper and lower outer tanks respectively.

[0021] As a preferred solution, a handle is provided on the outer side of the enclosure; and the outer wall of the enclosure and the outer wall of the outer tank above it are respectively provided with alignment marks.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] (1) The present invention can open or block the fluid passage between two adjacent hydrogen storage units by rotating the connecting piece, and the pipeline system is connected to each hydrogen storage unit respectively. By introducing high-temperature fluid into the corresponding hydrogen storage unit and adjusting the corresponding connecting piece, the corresponding hydrogen storage units are connected to each other, thereby controlling the release of hydrogen from some hydrogen storage units to prevent excessive hydrogen release.

[0024] (2) The support plate of the present invention is provided with a ball bearing to facilitate the rotation of the connecting part.

[0025] Some additional features of the present application may be described in the following description. Some additional features of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from an inspection of the following description and accompanying drawings, or from a thorough understanding of the production or operation of the embodiments. The features disclosed in this application may be realized and achieved through the practice or use of the various methods, means, and combinations of the specific embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The exemplary embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute a limitation of the present application. In each figure, the same reference numerals represent the same components.

[0027] Figure 1 It is the front view of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation of the hydrogen storage unit and the connector of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the middle.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of point B in the middle.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage unit of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a top view of the hydrogen storage unit of the present invention when the hydrogen storage material assembly is not installed.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the connecting piece of the present invention.

[0034] The figure marks in the above drawings are: 1-air inlet main pipe, 2-air inlet branch pipe, 3-end cover, 4-hydrogen storage unit, 5-connecting part, 6-air outlet main pipe, 7-air outlet branch pipe, 8-heating chamber, 9-support plate, 10-hydrogen storage material layer, 11-through hole, 12-gap, 13-annular support plate, 14-sealing gasket, 16-air hole, 17-connecting hole, 19-installation cavity, 20-outer tank, 21-inner cylinder, 22-enclosing plate, 23-ball. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] It should be noted that, if the description and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings relate to the terms "first", "second", etc., they are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein. In addition, if the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are involved, it is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0037] In this application, when terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "center," "vertical," "horizontal," "transverse," and "longitudinal" are used, the orientations or positional relationships they indicate are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe this application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed or operated in a specific orientation.

[0038] Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to express other meanings besides indicating a position or location. For example, the term "on" may also be used to indicate a dependency or connection in certain circumstances. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] Furthermore, in this application, the terms "installed," "disposed," "provided with," "connected," "connected," and "socketed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integral structures; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediary, or internal communication between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0041] Example

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount, which includes: a plurality of hydrogen storage units 4, a plurality of connectors 5, a pipeline system and two end covers 3.

[0043] The hydrogen storage units 4 are stacked from bottom to top, with adjacent units 4 connected by a connector 5, which is used to open or close the fluid passage between the two adjacent units 4. Two end caps 3 are respectively placed on the two hydrogen storage units 4 at the end, that is, the two end caps 3 are placed on the topmost hydrogen storage unit 4 and the bottommost hydrogen storage unit 4, respectively. One end cap 3 is provided with an air inlet, and the other end cap 3 is provided with an air outlet. A piping system is connected to each hydrogen storage unit 4, which is used to separately supply heat exchange fluid to each hydrogen storage unit 4.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen storage unit 4 includes: an outer tank 20, an inner cylinder 21 and a hydrogen storage material assembly. The upper end of the outer tank 20 is open, and an air hole 16 is provided on its bottom plate. The inner cylinder 21 is fixed inside the outer tank 20, and its lower end is fixed to the bottom plate of the outer tank 20. The air hole 16 is located inside the inner cylinder 21, so the inner cylinder 21 is connected to the air hole 16. In addition, a gap is formed between the side wall of the inner cylinder 21 and the side wall of the outer tank 20, and a closing plate is provided between the upper end of the inner cylinder 21 and the upper end of the outer tank 20. In this way, an annular, closed heating chamber 8 is formed between the side wall of the inner cylinder 21 and the side wall of the outer tank 20, and the heating chamber 8 of each hydrogen storage unit 4 is respectively connected to the pipeline system, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 、 6 shown.

[0045] The inner cylinder 21 is a hollow structure, and its inner space forms a mounting cavity 19 , and the hydrogen storage material assembly is mounted in the mounting cavity 19 .

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, the connector 5 includes a support plate 9 and a circumferentially surrounding edge of the support plate 9. The circumferential plate 22 extends to the upper and lower sides of the support plate 9. During installation, the support plate 9 of the connector 5 is supported on the top of the hydrogen storage unit 4 below it, and the hydrogen storage unit 4 above it is supported on the upper surface of the support plate 9. The circumferential plate 22 is enclosed on the outer walls of the upper and lower adjacent hydrogen storage units 4, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 、 3 shown.

[0047] In addition, a connecting hole 17 is provided on the support plate 9, and the connecting member 5 can rotate relative to the outer tank 20. When the connecting member 5 rotates, the connecting hole 17 on the support plate 9 can be misaligned or aligned with the air hole 16, so that the connecting member 5 can open or close the air hole 16.

[0048] As a preferred implementation, a sealing gasket 14 is provided between the coaming 22 and the adjacent upper and lower outer tanks 20, and the sealing effect of the sealing gasket 14 prevents hydrogen from leaking from between the coaming 22 and the outer tanks 20. Figure 3 shown.

[0049] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the upper and lower edges of the support plate 9 are circumferentially provided with balls 23, which at least partially protrude from the surface of the support plate 9 and respectively contact the upper and lower outer cans 20. The provision of the balls 23 facilitates the rotation of the connector 5.

[0050] In addition, a handle is provided on the outside of the enclosure 22 to facilitate the rotation of the connector. At the same time, the outer wall of the enclosure 22 and the outer wall of the outer tank 20 above it are respectively provided with alignment marks; that is, the outer wall of the enclosure 22 is provided with an alignment mark area, and the outer wall of the outer tank 20 is also provided with an alignment mark area. When the connector 5 is rotated so that the alignment mark area on it is aligned with the alignment mark area on the outer tank 20, the connecting hole 17 on the connector 5 is aligned with the air hole 16 on the outer tank 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 When the alignment identification area on the connector 5 and the alignment identification area on the outer tank 20 is misaligned, the connecting hole 17 on the connector 5 and the air hole 16 on the outer tank 20 are misaligned, as Figure 4 shown.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen storage material assembly includes several layers of hydrogen storage material 10 sequentially installed from top to bottom within the inner cylinder 21 via annular support plates 13. Specifically, the inner wall of the inner cylinder 21 is sequentially provided with multiple annular support plates 13 from top to bottom, with a hydrogen storage material layer 10 mounted on each annular support plate 13. A gap 12 is formed between adjacent hydrogen storage material layers 10 to facilitate the flow of released hydrogen.

[0052] In addition, the hydrogen material layer 10 is provided with a plurality of through holes 11 extending vertically therethrough, through which hydrogen can flow during both the absorption and desorption processes. The through holes 11 on two adjacent hydrogen storage material layers 10 are staggered, which can reduce the hydrogen flow rate during the absorption process and improve the absorption efficiency.

[0053] like Figure 1As shown, the piping system includes an air inlet pipeline and an air outlet pipeline, both of which are connected to the heating chamber 8 of each hydrogen storage unit 4; the air inlet pipeline and the air outlet pipeline are symmetrically arranged with the hydrogen storage unit 4 as the center, so that the heat exchange fluid enters from one side of the hydrogen storage unit 4 and flows out from the other side.

[0054] Specifically, the air inlet pipeline includes an air inlet main pipe 1 and several air inlet branch pipes 2. One end of each air inlet branch pipe 2 is connected to the air inlet main pipe 1, and the other end thereof is connected to the heating chamber 8 of a hydrogen storage unit 4. The air outlet pipeline includes an air outlet main pipe 6 and several air outlet branch pipes 7. One end of each air outlet branch pipe 7 is connected to the air outlet main pipe 6, and the other end thereof is connected to the heating chamber 8 of a hydrogen storage unit 4.

[0055] With this structure, during hydrogen absorption, all connectors 5 are rotated so that the communication holes 17 on each connector 5 align with the gas holes 16 on the corresponding hydrogen storage unit 4. At this point, all hydrogen storage units 4 are interconnected. Hydrogen gas is introduced through the lower end caps. As the hydrogen flows, it is absorbed by the hydrogen storage material layer 10 within the hydrogen storage unit 4. Simultaneously, a cryogenic fluid is introduced into each hydrogen storage unit 4 through the piping system to lower the temperature of the hydrogen storage material layer 10 and improve hydrogen absorption efficiency.

[0056] When only some of the hydrogen storage units 4 need to release hydrogen, high-temperature fluid is introduced into these hydrogen storage units 4 through the pipeline system, and the corresponding connectors 5 are adjusted to interconnect these hydrogen storage units 4 to adjust the amount of hydrogen released. For example, when only the top three hydrogen storage units 4 need to release hydrogen, the top three connectors 5 are rotated so that the connecting hole 17 on the connector 5 below the third hydrogen storage unit 4 is misaligned with the air hole 16 on the third hydrogen storage unit 4, while the connecting hole 17 on the first connector 5 and the connecting hole 17 on the second connector 5 are connected to the air hole 16 on the first hydrogen storage unit 4 and the air hole 16 on the second hydrogen storage unit 4, respectively. At this time, the top three hydrogen storage units 4 are interconnected to form a fluid passage, while the top three hydrogen storage units 4 are blocked from the bottom three hydrogen storage units 4. A high-temperature fluid is introduced into the heating chambers 8 of the three upper hydrogen storage units 4 through a piping system. This heats the hydrogen storage material assemblies within the three upper hydrogen storage units 4 through heat exchange, causing the hydrogen storage material assemblies to release hydrogen. The hydrogen is then discharged through the upper end cap 3 for collection and use. It should be noted that because the hydrogen storage units 4 are fixedly connected to the piping system, rotating the connector does not cause the hydrogen storage units 4 to rotate with them.

[0057] When it is necessary to use the hydrogen stored in the lower hydrogen storage unit 4, all hydrogen storage units 4 are connected in the above-mentioned manner, and high-temperature fluid is introduced, so that the hydrogen storage material layer 10 in the lower hydrogen storage unit 4 is heated to release hydrogen. Alternatively, the upper hydrogen storage unit 4 that has released hydrogen is disassembled and then the lower hydrogen storage unit 4 is subjected to hydrogen release. Alternatively, when it is necessary to release the hydrogen in the lower hydrogen storage unit 4, the lower hydrogen storage unit 4 is connected by adjusting the connector, and the connector 5 above the topmost hydrogen storage unit 4 that has not released hydrogen is closed, thereby blocking the fluid passage between the hydrogen storage units 4 that have released hydrogen and those that have not released hydrogen, and then the air inlet on the lower end cover 5 is used as the outlet for releasing hydrogen. In this way, it is only necessary to heat the hydrogen storage units 4 located at the bottom that need to release hydrogen.

[0058] It should be noted that all features disclosed in this specification, or steps in all methods or processes disclosed, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps, can be combined in any manner.

[0059] Furthermore, the above-described specific embodiments are merely illustrative. Persons skilled in the art may devise various solutions based on the disclosure of the present invention, and such solutions fall within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be protected by the present invention. Persons skilled in the art should understand that the present description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount, characterized in that: include: a plurality of hydrogen storage units (4); A plurality of connecting members (5), each of the connecting members (5) being connected between two adjacent hydrogen storage units (4) and used to open or block a fluid passage between the two adjacent hydrogen storage units (4); a piping system, respectively connected to each hydrogen storage unit (4); Two end covers (3) are respectively covered on the two hydrogen storage units (4) at the end portions; The hydrogen storage unit (4) comprises: The outer tank (20) has an open top and an air hole (16) at the bottom; An inner cylinder (21) is fixed inside the outer tank (20), and its interior is communicated with the air hole (16); an annular heating chamber (8) is formed between the side wall of the inner cylinder (21) and the side wall of the outer tank (20), and the heating chamber (8) is communicated with the pipeline system; A hydrogen storage material assembly is installed inside the inner cylinder (21); wherein, The connecting piece (5) can open or close the air hole (16).

2. The hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting member (5) comprises a support plate (9) and a surrounding plate (22) circumferentially surrounding the edge of the support plate (9); the surrounding plate (22) extends to both sides of the support plate (9), and the outer tank (20) is supported on the support plate (9); a connecting hole (17) is provided on the support plate (9), and the connecting member (5) can rotate relative to the outer tank (20), and when the connecting member (5) rotates, the connecting hole (17) and the air hole (16) can be misaligned or aligned.

3. The hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen storage material assembly comprises a plurality of hydrogen storage material layers (10) sequentially installed from top to bottom inside the inner cylinder (21) via an annular support plate (13), with a gap (12) formed between two adjacent hydrogen storage material layers (10); and a plurality of through holes (11) penetrating the hydrogen storage material layer (10) are provided.

4. The hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount according to claim 3, characterized in that: The through holes (11) on two adjacent hydrogen storage material layers (10) are staggered with each other.

5. The hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipeline system comprises an air inlet pipeline and an air outlet pipeline, and the air inlet pipeline and the air outlet pipeline are both in communication with the heating chamber (8) of each hydrogen storage unit (4); the air inlet pipeline and the air outlet pipeline are symmetrically arranged with the hydrogen storage unit (4) as the center.

6. The hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air inlet pipeline comprises an air inlet main pipe (1) and a plurality of air inlet branch pipes (2), one end of the air inlet branch pipe (2) is connected to the air inlet main pipe (1), and the other end thereof is connected to a heating chamber (8) of a hydrogen storage unit (4); the air outlet pipeline comprises an air outlet main pipe (6) and a plurality of air outlet branch pipes (7), one end of the air outlet branch pipe (7) is connected to the air outlet main pipe (6), and the other end thereof is connected to a heating chamber (8) of a hydrogen storage unit (4).

7. The hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sealing gasket (14) is provided between the enclosure (22) and the two adjacent upper and lower outer tanks (20).

8. The hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount according to claim 2, characterized in that: Balls (23) are circumferentially arranged on the edges of the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate (9). The balls (23) at least partially protrude from the surface of the support plate (9) and are in contact with the upper and lower outer tanks (20) respectively.

9. The hydrogen storage device with adjustable hydrogen release amount according to claim 2, characterized in that: A handle is provided on the outer side of the enclosure (22); and alignment marks are respectively provided on the outer wall of the enclosure (22) and the outer wall of the outer tank (20) above it.

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